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Carnival House

100 Harbour Parade

Southampton

Hampshire

SO15 1ST

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Cruise wear essentials unpacked

What to wear on a P&O Cruises holiday

Flip-flops or walking boots? Trunks or tux? Bikini top or cosy jumper? Knowing what to take on a cruise holiday can be confusing. Here’s the low-down on our simple dress codes, whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying time on shore or dressing up for one of our famous Black Tie nights. And for any extras you forgot to pack, don’t worry – we stock a full range of clothes and accessories for both men and women in our on-board shops.

Daywear on board

What to wear during the day – on board

Dress in a relaxed and comfortable way, as you would for any holiday. Think shorts and a t-shirt, or a floaty skirt or cool kaftan. It may be chilly on deck during winter cruises, and breezy in the evening, even in the tropics, so pack light layers. Flat shoes are recommended for strolling the decks.

Daywear ashore

What to wear during the day – on shore

Comfortable flat shoes are a must for exploring ports of call, especially if there are cobbles. You might pop into air-conditioned museums or shady churches, so take a shawl or light sweater, even on balmy days. Some cultures may require you to cover up, too. Take the forecast into account: sunglasses, hats or even rainproof jackets may be needed.

Evening Casual

What to wear in the evening – Evening Casual nights

Dress codes always apply from 6pm onwards on board. Our Evening Casual dress code is all about looking stylish and at ease. Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal. For example, dark denim or casual long trousers with a shirt or polo shirt for men, and separates (a skirt or trousers plus a top) or dresses for ladies.

Eveningwear Black Tie nights

What to wear in the evening – Black Tie nights

Black Tie nights bring glamour and a real sense of occasion to evenings at sea, making your holiday extra special. For ladies, cocktail dresses and ball gowns are perfect. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are most common, but a dark lounge or business suit, tie and smart shoes are fine, too. You can also wear formal national dress and military uniform.

Childrenswear

Dress codes for little ones

Children can wear whatever they feel comfortable in during the day. But after 6pm, if the dress code is Evening Casual please avoid beloved shorts and football shirts. On Black Tie nights, dressing up is a highlight for them, too. Please avoid denim and have fun with party dresses and smart jackets with trousers, or even tiny tuxes.

Theme nights

Theme night fun

If you like to dress up, theme nights are great fun for all the family. There’s no obligation to join in, although the more the merrier for a lively atmosphere. To plan ahead, check Cruise Personaliser once you’ve booked to see which theme nights are on the cards – 60s and 70s, 80s Pop or Tropical? – to sort your outfit and accessories.

We don’t want to dampen anyone's fun but coming into effect on 1 January 2018, fancy dress and/or novelty clothing will not be permitted outside of these theme night evenings. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. This is a change from the policy wording printed in the back of our January 2018 – October 2019 brochure and pre-cruise brochures.

All you need to know

Venue dress codes

We want you to feel at home on our ships but would like everyone else to feel comfortable, too. Parade by the pool in your bathers, but if you go to the buffet please pop on a shirt and suitable footwear. Swimwear is not permitted in the lounges, interior bars, restaurants or reception. After 6pm, no shorts, bare feet, football shirts or tracksuits, please. If it’s a Black Tie night, we apply the dress codes in the majority of restaurants and bars for guests aged 18 and over. Appropriate attire is essential for entry to the ship’s bars and restaurants. You might find it help to read our Code of Conduct.

Black Tie nights

Black Tie nights are all about getting dressed up in your finery. For ladies, cocktail dresses and ball gowns are perfect. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are most common, but a dark lounge or business suit and tie are fine, too. You can also wear formal national dress and military uniform on these nights. Visit Cruise Personaliser before you embark to find out how many Black Tie nights there will be on your cruise (there are usually two on a seven-night cruise). Horizon daily newspaper (delivered to your cabin) will also keep you informed. What makes it a Black Tie night? There could be a black & white theme – where you wear either a black or white outfit – or a special Gala menu. On many occasions, it’s simply because we want you to enjoy a special evening.

Extra clothes to pack

Pack to tailor your holiday and make it your own. If you plan to run laps of the deck each morning, take advantage of our exercise classes, or play golf, deck tennis or basketball, remember your sports shoes and gym kit. Sun and swim? Pack easy layers that don’t mind the odd splash of sun cream (plus your cossie, of course). Spa-bound? Then a loose kimono might be in order. And perhaps now’s the time to dust off those dancing shoes…

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